Two Recognized for 50 Years of Service

CANTON – In July of 1974 Charles Bronson’s “Death Wish” was playing at drive-ins across the country, gas was only 53 cents per gallon, and Richard Nixon was in the final days of his presidency.

July of 1974 also marked the beginning of careers with United Helpers for both Joyce Simmons and Cynthia “Cindy” Cota, the first two employees in the 126-year history of United Helpers to hit the 50-year milestone.

Both women have worked in a variety of roles for the organization, something that Mrs. Cota said made working 50 years a bit easier than holding one position for that long.

Mrs. Cota has worked in Canton as a CNA, a therapy aide and a home health aide, while Mrs. Simmons has worked, mostly in Ogdensburg, as a cook, as a laundry aide and then as a housekeeper first for Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Ogdensburg and then for both Sparx and Northern Lights Home Health Care.

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons has worked with both women, working with Mrs. Simmons during his time as building administrator at the skilled nursing facility in Ogdensburg.

Mr. Parsons recalled celebrating Mrs. Simmons’ 40^th work anniversary. “She brought in cupcakes for everyone,” he recalled. “I asked her when she was retiring and she mentioned wanting to hit 45 years.”

Now on the occasion of her 50^th anniversary, Mrs. Simmons said she wants to be the first United Helpers employee to celebrate 51 years with the company. A feat that will made easier by the fact, Mrs. Cota is retiring at the end of this month.

“I work with a great bunch of girls and I just really love working,” Mrs. Simmons said. “I think I’m going to keep going as long as I’m healthy and able,” she said.

As for Mrs. Cota, she said the first few months of her retirement will be tied up with an ongoing home renovation project.

Mr. Parsons said he remembers the first time he met Mrs. Cota, noting it was his very first day on the job. “Whoever introduced me to Cindy said something like, ‘This is Cindy and she’s been here forever,’” he recalled with a laugh. “And that was 23 years ago.”

The careers of both Mrs. Cota and Mrs. Simmons were recently celebrated at the United Helpers Summer Awards ceremony, where each were presented with an engraved clock. Both women were also given a cash bonus.

This month Cynthia “Cindy” Cota and Joyce Simmons both celebrated 50 years of service with the United Helpers organization, becoming the first two employees in the company’s 126-year history to hit that impressive milestone. Mrs. Cota will be retiring at the end of the month, while Mrs. Simmons said she wants to become the first person to celebrate their 51^st anniversary. From left, United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons, Mrs. Simmons, Mrs. Cota and Sparx Vice President of Operations Katherine Race.

Three Honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships

OGDENSBURG – This year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarship winners represent students entering the fields of nursing, occupational therapy and speech pathology, including one student whose career in healthcare is already underway. 

Jordan Downing-Duke with
Scholarship recipient Kathryn Cunningham

Erica Bates of Madrid has already been working as a CNA at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton for just over a year. She will be graduating from Madrid-Waddington Central School and attending the nursing program at Elmira College. She is the daughter of John and Andrea Bates.

Clara Cole of Ogdensburg will graduate from Ogdensburg Free Academy as this year’s valedictorian. She is attending Nazareth College, where she will major in Communication Sciences and Disorders while working towards a degree in speech pathology. Clara is the daughter of John and Sally Cole.

Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton will graduate from Heuvelton Central School. She is then planning to major in Professional Health and Wellness while at SUNY Plattsburgh with an eye on an eventual master’s degree in occupational therapy. She is the daughter of Cory and Jan Cunningham.

The $1,000 scholarships are funded through an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 45 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students looking to enter the health care field.

United Helpers CEO Todd Amo told the winners they are the future of health care in the North Country. He also challenged them each to be leaders in the classroom and in the health care field.

“We’re counting on you,” he said. “I’m 53 and it won’t be long before I’m needing your services.”

The chair of this year’s scholarship committee Molly Pressey introduced each of the students and spoke briefly about their accomplishments after addressing the group as a whole.

“As we reviewed these scholarship applications, there were three names that kept rising to the top in everyone’s rankings and they Clara Cole, Erica Bates and Kathryn Cunningham,” she said. “Both you and your parents should be proud. The future is in good hands.”

The winners of this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships came from Ogdensburg Free Academy, Heuvelton Central School and Madrid-Waddington Central School. Three $1,000 scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers each year from funds generated by an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. Front row, from left, scholarship recipients Clara Cole of Ogdensburg and Erica Bates of Madrid; second row, Scholarship Committee members Diana Dancause, Darlene Liscum, Molly Pressey and United Helpers CEO Todd Amo; absent from photo Kathryn Cunningham of Heuvelton, who was unable to attend the presentation.

Dr. Galen Pletcher Recognized Posthumously with Emeritus Status

OGDENSBURG – For nearly 10 years until illness led to his resignation, Dr. Galen K. Pletcher served the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors with style and grace that led him to become a mentor to many within the United Helpers organization. 

Speaking on behalf of United Helpers at an intimate ceremony where Dr. Pletcher was recognized posthumously with Emeritus status, Board President Darlene Liscum called him “a leader, a mentor and a friend to many.”

“Galen’s legacy lives on in the work and services offered by United Helpers. He was a beacon of support who never dissuaded from challenges, sought solutions and helped guide us all in the quest for excellence,” she said.

In recognition of Dr. Pletcher’s contributions and support to United Helpers, a memorial brick was installed in his honor at United Helpers RiverLedge Campus in Ogdensburg.

“This wall behind me includes the names of those who believe in and support United Helpers in our mission. In memory of Galen, I would like to present his wife Helen Pletcher with this proclamation declaring his Posthumous Emeritus Award and a commemorative brick in his honor,” Mrs. Liscum said. Dr. Pletcher passed away on Sept. 21, 2023.

Dr. Pletcher enjoyed a 45-year career in education, retiring in 2011 as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Potsdam.

“Although Dr. Pletcher may have retired, he never stopped teaching and serving as a mentor,” said United Helpers CEO Todd Amo. “I am just one of the many people grateful to have worked with and learned from such a great man.”

Joining members of the United Helpers Management Company Board of Directors and administrative team at a ceremony honoring the late Dr. Galen Pletcher were Bill and Molly Amaral. Mr. Amaral served on the board with Dr. Pletcher and was among his closest colleagues on the board. From left, Molly and Bill Amaral look on as Helen Pletcher points to the memorial brick bearing her husband’s name.

Welcome New Hires

 

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care

Tina Bender - LPN

Derek Wilson - LPN

Laura Carlock - CNA

Courtney Pannhurst - Task Aide

Christopher Gilson - Task Aide

Cassidy Ingram - Task Aide

Gabrielle Williams - Task Aide

Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Riverwood IRA

Caroline Nappi - DSP

Emma Crews - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Kendrew IRA

Michael Martin - DSP

Owen Houle - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Centennial Manor IRA

Jenna Pratt - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Behavioral Health Clinics

Kaylee Whalen - Revenue Cycle Coordinator

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Spruce Street IRA

Savannah Martin - DSP

Azarya Mereau - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Lisbon IRA

Kambree Lalonde-Measheaw - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Flackville IRA

Ameena Peters - DSP

Remembering David Margeson

Several members of the Ogdensburg Fire Department recently attended a brief ceremony in memory of David Margeson held at the Spruce Street IRA. The ceremony included the unveiling of two shrubs, appropriately named fire chief arborvitaes and a small plaque. From left, Ogdensburg City Firefighters Jack Lake and Brian Sias, Peayton Stark, who wrote an essay earning a grant for the IRA where David lived, Spruce Street IRA Residential Manager Karen Howie, and Ogdensburg City Firefighters Scott McCormick, Brian Kirby and Aaron Charlton.

When David Margeson first came to United Helpers in August of 2007, he arrived with a shoebox containing his personal belongings – some magazines, family photos, a few dollar bills and several toy firetrucks.

As he began to adjust to his new surroundings, it didn’t take staff at the Kendrew IRA in Rensselaer Falls very long to realize that David loved both firetrucks and firefighters.

According to Spruce Street IRA Residential Manager Karen Howie, he would eventually become an honorary member of the Rensselaer Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He would help wash trucks and even ride in them with other members of the department during parades.

In 2018 David moved to the McIntyre IRA and in 2020 he moved into the Spruce Street IRA in Ogdensburg. Those two moves just introduced him to more firefighters to become friends with.

In fact, when he celebrated his 85^th birthday, a party was held in his honor. In attendance was a truck from the Ogdensburg Fire Department along with several members of the city’s fire department.

Just over a month later, David would pass away.

“Every time David saw a fire truck his face would light up,” Mrs. Howie said. “Sometimes when David was having a bad day, he would even pull the fire alarm at the IRA, which of course would sound the alarms and then the local fire department would show up. A smile would begin to creep across his face as he could hear the sirens and then when the truck pulled up, his day would instantly turn around.”

It was while living in Ogdensburg that David met Peayton Stark. Peayton’s mother, Colleen Stark is a Medical Direct Support Professional (MDSP), and she would often bring Peayton to visit with program members.

“During those visits Peayton developed a special bond with David,” Mrs. Howie said.

This bond led her to write an essay nominating United Helpers for a $1,000 grant through the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Giving Challenge.

In that essay she wrote, “I would like to donate to the IRA in Ogdensburg, because I have a really good connection with some of the residents there and the employees,” she wrote. “This one resident is so nice; he always called my sister and me ‘his girls.’”

Her essay was selected and in memory of David, United Helpers used a portion of the grant to purchase two shrubs to plant at the IRA. Those plants, appropriately titled fire chief arborvitaes, were planted in the home’s front yard adjacent to a small monument, which of course includes a picture of a fire truck.  

The monument reads, “In Memory of David Margeson, a Friend & Inspiration to us all. 1938-2023.

Prior to the unveiling of the monument, both Mrs. Howie and David’s Advocate Stacey Cannizzo recalled David and the impact he had their lives, as well as those around him.

“One thing I’ll always remember about David is how much people loved him and how much he loved people,” Mrs. Cannizzo said. “Today is a testament to what David stood for which is family and friends.”

While his brother Paul was unable to attend the unveiling, David did have many friends in attendance, including staff who had cared for him, fellow program members and several members of the Ogdensburg Fire Department, who of course arrived in a shiny red fire truck with lights and sirens, just the way David would have liked.

Welcome New Hires

 

United Helpers Rehabilitation & Senior Care

Shelby Vallance - Task Aide

Rebecca Cooper - Task Aide

Elaina Lumley - CNA

Joanne Nelson - LPN

United Helpers Management Company

Darren Hirschey - Maintenance II

Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Riverwood IRA

Sophia Bobb - DSP

Kristen Snyder - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

High Street IRA

Danielle Youngs - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Spruce Street IRA

Alexis Bouchey - DSP

Emma Murphy - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Rensselaer Falls IRA

Angellee Jenkins - DSP

United Helpers Behavioral Health & Life Skills

Care Coordination

Gary Lewis - Care Manager

Denner Honored With Fannie Frank Award

CANTON – As dinner was beginning to wind down, Dr. Edward Gordon said to the recipient of this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award, “I don’t believe we’ve ever talked about residents at this dinner before.”

According to those who know her, that anecdote perfectly sums up Chelsie Denner, a physical therapy assistant at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care in Canton.

“Chelsie has developed great relationships with all of her residents. She takes a gentle, caring approach to get the most out of her residents and she frequently has positive results,” said Rehabilitation and Senior Care Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. “She would much rather the attention be on them or her entire department.”

While no private health information was disclosed during the evening, plenty of stories were shared with many leading to laughter and smiles.

Director of Physical Therapy Trent Worden told one story about an individual who came to the nursing home in a wheelchair unable to walk and not confident that they would ever walk again.

“Chelsie spent five days a week with them and eventually they stood up, then they could take a few steps, and now with the assistance of a prosthetic leg that person is walking just like you or me,” Mr. Worden said. “That’s just one example. There are so many stories of Chelsie’s hard work and dedication that we could be here all night.”

Mr. Parsons said Chelsie will often do things with residents well beyond the scope of her job description.

“She never rushes through their treatments. She takes the time to get to know everyone as an individual and learn about their life experiences and families,” Mr. Parsons said. “It’s not unusual to see her chatting with a resident outside of the therapy room or even helping them with their cell phones, tablets, or other issues they may be having.”

Mr. Worden, who acts as Mrs. Denner’s immediate supervisor noted she also has a great rapport with her coworkers all throughout the building, including with nursing staff who have declared her an “honorary nurse.”

“She is the type of person who is fun to work with and makes the environment around her better. Her sense of humor can lighten almost any situation. She is a wonderful asset to the United Helpers team and often goes unrecognized for the daily energy and enthusiasm she consistently contributes. We’re lucky to have her,” Mr. Worden said. “When I was asked to think of nominees for this year’s award, I thought, “Who would the residents want to win?’ and her name was the first one that came to mind.’”

The Fannie Frank Award was established in 2019 by Dr. Gordon and his wife, Barbara, who are both longtime United Helpers volunteers. Dr. Gordon grew up in New York City in close proximity to his grandmother and credits her with instilling in him a love of animals that would eventually lead to his career as a veterinarian.

The award was created as a way to pay tribute to his grandmother, a Polish immigrant who moved to the U.S. prior to World War I with her parents and six of her nine siblings.

The award includes a cash bonus and is awarded based on the following criteria:

 ·         A remarkably caring demeanor

·         Currently employed at United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care

·         Continuous employment with United Helpers for two or more years

United Helpers Rehabilitation and Senior Care Physical Therapy Assistant Chelsie Denner was honored with this year’s Fannie Frank Distinguished Employee Award. Mrs. Denner has been employed by United Helpers since 2019 and has worked in Canton since 2021. Dr. Edward and Mrs. Barbara Gordon created the award in 2019 as a tribute to Dr. Gordon’s grandmother. Mrs. Denner lives in Ogdensburg with her husband, Gregory and two sons. From left, Director of Physical Therapy Trent Worden, Mrs. Denner, Dr. Gordon, and his wife Barbara. Dr. Gordon is pictured holding a photograph of his grandmother for whom the award is named.